Open Awards
Level 5
QN: 610/6226/1
Curriculum Active
Open Awards Level 5 Diploma in Equine Therapy and Rehabilitation (RQF)
Official qualification regulated by Ofqual, awarded by Open Awards. Classified as a Vocationally-Related Qualification. Total guided learning hours: 320 hours.
Qualification Level
Level 5
Awarding Body
Open Awards
Syllabus Units
5 Units
Guided Hours
320 hrs
Instant access to interactive lessons, quizzes, and spaced revision.
Course Syllabus & Study Modules
Complete breakdown of verified curriculum topics and learning objectives.
1
Equine Biomechanics
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the biomechanics of equine locomotion 1.
- Interpret terminology used in equine biomechanics 1.
- Analyse equine locomotion and gait 1.
- Explain the dynamic role of the muscles, tendons and ligaments in relation to equine biomechanics 1.
- Discuss extrinsic factors which affect locomotion, e.g. effects of surface. 1.
- Analyse current research in equine biomechanics2.
- Understand uses and methods of gait analysis 2.
- Examine the merits of gait analysis 2.
- Evaluate photo-instrumentation methods of recording equine locomotion 2.
- Evaluate computer motion analysis systems 2.
- Discuss the use of force plates to measure hoof-ground interaction3.
- Understand the biomechanical effects of exercise and exercise-induced injuries 3.
- Describe musculoskeletal adaptations and failures associated with the biomechanics of exercise 3.
- Analyse the importance of foot balance in relation to the long-term soundness of the horse 3.
- Discuss the role of the farrier in the care of the performance horse
2
Equine Orthopaedics and Neurology
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand common equine skeletal pathologies 1.
- Describe the pathophysiology of common equine skeletal and joint disorders 1.
- Analyse the effects of skeletal and joint pathologies on gait, joint range of motion and muscles2.
- Understand common equine soft tissue disorders 2.
- Describe the pathophysiology of common equine soft tissue disorders 2.
- Analyse the effects of soft tissue disorders on gait and joint range of motion 3.
- Understand common disorders of the equine neurological system 3.
- Describe the pathophysiology of common equine neurological disorders 3.
- Assess differences between lameness and ataxia 3.
- Perform tests to identify ataxia 3.
- Describe the role of cranial nerve tests 3.
- Assess the influence of neuromuscular pathologies on gait and the musculoskeletal system
3
Equine Therapy
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand equine therapy assessments and treatments 1.
- Prepare a detailed clinical history of two case study horses 1.
- Review the Equine Health Professional’s clinical assessment of the case study horses 1.
- Analyse the proposed treatment programmes with the Equine Health Professional 1.
- Assess the treatment administered by the Equine Health Professional2.
- Be able to apply appropriate manual therapy techniques 2.
- Analyse contraindications for massage techniques 2.
- Apply massage 2.
- Apply myofascial release 2.
- Apply trigger point release 2.
- Apply panniculus reflex techniques3.
- Be able to use appropriate stretch exercises and mobilisation techniques 3.
- Analyse contra-indications for stretch techniques 3.
- Apply hands-on and hands-off stretches for the limbs and vertebral column 3.
- Apply hands-on joint mobilisations 3.
- Assess the role of dynamic exercises in stretching and joint mobilisation4.
- Be able to select appropriate massage machines and demonstrate their correct use 4.
- Analyse contraindications for use of massage machines 4.
- Apply massage therapy with a massage machine
4
Equine Thermal, Magnetic and Electro Therapies
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the physics underpinning electrotherapy, laser, magnetic therapy and therapeutic ultrasound, and the effects of these modalities 1.
- Explain the working of different electrotherapy and associated modalities 1.
- Interpret the effects of these modalities on the musculoskeletal and other body systems 1.
- Analyse the indications and contra-indications of these modalities2.
- Understand the effects of thermal therapies 2.
- Explain the effects of cryotherapy and thermal therapy 2.
- Analyse the indications and contraindications of cryotherapy and thermal therapy 2.
- Examine different ways in which thermal and cryotherapy can be applied3.
- Be able to design and apply an appropriate modality-based treatment plan for a range of common musculoskeletal conditions 3.
- Demonstrate clinical reasoning when selecting a suitable modality for the treatment of a range of common musculoskeletal conditions 3.
- Evaluate modality parameters and show proficiency in adapting a treatment protocol depending on therapeutic need 3.
- Apply an appropriate modality-based treatment plan for a common musculoskeletal condition 3.
- Work safely and proficiently in the application of a range of modalities 3.
- Record treatments accurately
5
Exercise and Movement Therapy
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand how therapeutic exercise can improve musculoskeletal function and/or maintain the horse’s well-being 1.
- Describe the role of different muscle types (e.g. stabilisers, mobilisers) in musculoskeletal function and dysfunction 1.
- Select appropriate therapeutic exercises to improve specific impairments 1.
- Justify the use of therapeutic exercise to improve specific impairments and contribute towards the horse’s well-being. 1.
- Analyse the implications of incorrect and/or inappropriate exercise regimes2.
- Be able to carry out in-hand therapeutic exercises 2.
- Describe the goals of in-hand therapeutic exercise 2.
- Work effectively with due regard for the health and safety of horse and handler 2.
- Plan a range of in-hand therapeutic exercises 2.
- Carry out a range of in-hand therapeutic exercises3.
- Understand how lunging and training aids can be incorporated into therapeutic exercise regimes 3.
- Describe the biomechanical effects of lunging on the horse 3.
- Analyse the use and merits of a range of training aids 3.
- Appraise the use of training aids within a therapeutic exercise regime 3.
- Describe the progression from ground
- work to ridden therapeutic exercise4.
- Understand the role of exercise equipment and facilities within a therapeutic exercise regime 4.
- Appraise the use of exercise equipment and facilities within a therapeutic exercise regime: a) Treadmillb) Water treadmillc) Horse walkerd) Equine swimming pool
Regulatory & Verification Details
- Qualification Number (QN)
- 610/6226/1
- Regulated Status
- Available to learners
- Awarding Body
- Open Awards
- Qualification Type
- Vocationally-Related Qualification
- Operational Start
- Sept 2025